A Drink with The Idler | The RSPB’s Emma Marsh on The Value of Nature
£7.50
Join “A Drink with the Idler” as we chat to Executive Director of the RSPB Emma Marsh
There are many ways that nature helps our physical and mental wellbeing, but more than this, argues Emma Marsh, nature is a primary solution to worldwide human and societal problems. It is our best ally in the fight against climate change and a viable alternative to often sought-after technological solutions.
When Emma Marsh was growing up on a farm, the backfields had more Lapwings than villagers. Now she would be hard pushed to find one Lapwing and they are a Red Listed species. We’ll be asking her about the current threats to wildlife, and for her advice on what gardeners can do to help.
Emma Marsh is the Executive Director of the RSPB, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. She helps lead the Big Garden Birdwatch, following the state of gardens and birds in modern Britain. Emma is a keen gardener in her spare time and is on a journey towards self-sufficiency on her own one acre plot.
The discussion between Emma and Idler editor Tom Hodgkinson will be followed by a live Q&A when you will be given the chance to ask your own questions.
The event will be hosted by Idler Academy director Victoria Hull and the Idler Academy’s Head of Philosophy Dr Mark Vernon will present a short “thought for the week” to get our brains fizzing.
This is an online event. It should be like meeting up in the pub for an interesting conversation. We leave the meeting open at the end so you can carry on chatting.
Emma Marsh worked in the public sector before moving to the UK Government delivery body and then the charity, WRAP, where she headed up the ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ campaign. In 2016, Emma joined the RSPB as Regional Director in the Midlands, and then England Director. She now leads the Digital Technology and Communications directorate where she ensures the charity makes the biggest possible difference for nature and people across these functions. Emma is a fellow of the RSA and has transformed the RSPB’s communications, leading award-winning campaigns such as Urgent Conversation, Attack on Nature, and Save Our Wild Isles (the latter in collaboration with WWF and The National Trust).
Tom Hodgkinson is editor of the Idler and author of the best-selling manuals, How to Be Idle and How to Be Free. Other publications include a book on parenting, the Ukulele Handbook and a manual for creative entrepreneurs, Business for Bohemians.
Dr Mark Vernon is a psychotherapist, writer, broadcaster, and teacher. He presents several Idler Academy online courses. He has a PhD in philosophy, and degrees in theology and physics. His most recent books include The Idler Guide to Ancient Philosophy (Idler Books), Love: All that Matters (Hodder) and Jung: How to Believe (Guardian Shorts) – and he has books on friendship, belief and the good life too. Mark can often be heard on Radio 4’s Moral Maze. He began his professional life as a priest in the Church of England. For more, visit markvernon.com.
Victoria Hull is director of the Idler Academy, producing the Idler’s live and online events and courses.
Testimonials for A Drink with the Idler
Drinks with the Idler have kept me sane.
A fabulous Idler Drinks – thanks Tom, Victoria, Mark and idlers everywhere!
A simple heartfelt “thank you”: I cannot tell you how much I am enjoying Thursday evenings as part of the Idler community. Never has a subscription yielded such brain-nourishing pleasure.
Short yet so sweet, delightful and interesting… uplifting intelligent conversation. I feel so happy to have stumbled upon the Idler. I bow to you all☺️⭐️
A Drink with the Idler has turned out to be one of our lifelines! Such fun, wonderful commentary by you and the remarkable Mark, not to mention the delightful Victoria.
Event Details
Date: Thursday 15th May 2025
Time: 6pm-7pm
Location: Online via Zoom link
Cost: £7.50. Free for Idler members. SUBSCRIBE HERE (from £29.95 per annum)
How to join A Drink with the Idler: Non subscribers should register by clicking the BUY NOW button above. Subscribers can register by clicking the GET TICKETS button above.
Important
In order for the Idler to send you a link to this event you need to make sure you have signed up for the Idler newsletter here.
Idler Magazine and Idler Academy members will be sent a special registration link ahead of the event.
Latecomers may not be given access
